Early leaving from education and training

Cedefop undertakes research and develops tools to empower the role of VET to the fight against early leaving from education and training (ELET)

VET institutions in some countries tend to be faced with high rates of drop outs. However, high quality, inclusive and flexible VET provision may prevent and remedy leaving education early.

Cedefop research brings new evidence on:

Protective factors to prevent early leaving from VET

Mechanisms for measuring and monitoring ELET at national and EU-level

Successful policies and practices in Europe to tackle ELET

Good practices for policy impact evaluation

Highlights on Cedefop findings

Cedefop data shows that VET can be a safety net for those at-risk learners in general education offering an alternative pathway and securing their retention in education and training. VET offering a more practical, work-oriented route towards a qualification can magnetize early leavers back to education and training.

Other related Cedefop projects

Cedefop’s monitoring report on vocational education and training policies 2010-14 Stronger VET for better lives synthesises progress towards the objectives of the Bruges communiqué including these related to early leaving from VET.